TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT ICC TWENTY20 AFRICA B REGIONAL QUALIFIERS

TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT ICC TWENTY20 AFRICA B REGIONAL QUALIFIERS

By Alvin Bagaya & Innocent Ndawula

The ICC Twenty20 Africa Regiona ‘B’ qualifier held at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium ended on Saturday 14^th July 2018.

Dominated by the batsmen and some thrilling run chases, UgCricket picks the team of the tournament;

1. Dhiren Gondaria (Kenya)

For a calm individual Gondaria is a very violent batsman. And his rate of scoring is his most lethal aspect, as long as he spends time at the crease; good hands and a good eye. The classy right-hander famous for lofting bowlers over long off for maximums opens the batting for the team. Six Matches and 266 runs later at 44.3 and a strike rate of 172. Many teams would sleep easy knowing he will put on his gloves to walk out for ball one.

2. Alex Obanda (Kenya)

Alex Obanda, long time opener and destroyer of bowling figures opens the batting with his partner. One of the centurions of the tournament with 108(61). A dream opening pair for the team to attack the powerplay.

3. Ronak Patel (Uganda)

The game controller for Uganda who helped guide the run chase in the final game plays anchorman for the side. As consistent as you would hope the one down would be in supporting his team mates.

4. Dinesh Nakrani (Uganda)

The top batsman of series slots in at his favourite Number 4 spot to take over from the aggressive top order. Striking the ball at 189% he finished the tournament with an unassailable average of 80.

5. Rakep Patel (Kenya)-WICKET KEEPER

In maintaining the buildup of a strong middle order and solid batting line up, Rakep Patel takes the gloves and is at the frontline of the middle order.

6. Muhammad Zafar Khan (Tanzania)

The 32 year old Zafar Khan picks up at the number 6 spot for his consistency in run getting for Tanzania averaging 46 and getting runs against every opponent, at the crucial times, including a winning knock of an unbeaten 48*(39) against Uganda in Tanzania’s big win.

7. Collins Obuya (Kenya)

The veteran player showed he still has it in him to deliver the wins, he was always a sure match winner. Consistently got quick runs against every opponent digging Kenya out of trouble in Game 1.

8. Riazat Ali Shah (Uganda)

The all-rounder shone with both bat and ball enough to win man of series. Six Matches and Six innings with a high score of 96, he averaged a staggering 123.5 for the tournament with a strike rate of 226.

7 wickets for his 13 overs ensures that the middle order has an extra bowler/batsman for the team.

9. Shem Ngoche (Kenya)- CAPTAIN

The Kenya Captain completed his campaign with 12 wickets and BB of 4/23. Always a dangerous and wily operator with ball in hand and wicket taking option for his side, showing all of the experience, handy with the bat as well.

10. Muhammad Irfan (Uganda)

The perfect partner for Shem Ngoche; the spin twins led the bowling statistics in wickets taken. Irfan was the only bowler above 10 overs (Bowled 24) with an economy less than 6 for the tournament and picked the highest number of wickets (13) and the best strike rate in an innings (4.5) achieved against Rwanda (5/12 in 4 overs).

11. Riziki Kiseto (Tanzania)

The Tanzanian spinner completes the triple threat of the spin department of the squad, with an economy of 7.42, Riziki didn’t pick as many wickets but his bowling was as miselry as could get in his 19 overs for the week on a bowler’s graveyard of a wicket. He completes the spin trident that will limit the free scoring batsmen.

12. Yvan Mitari (Rwanda)

The Medium pacer finished third highest wicket take of the tournament and makes up the change bowler department for the middle overs. The third of only three bowlers after Ngoche and Irfan to bowl 20+ overs for his side he picked 9 wickets for the tournament, abit costly but he did the job his captain needed him to do, pick wickets; collecting 7 against power hitting Uganda and Kenya in 15 overs.

13. Elijah Otieno (Kenya)

Veteran seamer Elijah Otieno will work in tandem with Riazat Ali in taking the new ball for the side. He brings his experience and conomy to the set up that has a strong spin attack.

14. Eric Niyomugabo (Rwanda)

The Rwandan bowler completes the list of 14 having bowled his 21 overs at 9.52 on the receiving end of all the highest scoring teams of the tournament.